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bearing walls. Properly done, rough openings provide a place for windows and doors to fit securely, unaffected by the critical structural work being done by headers, king studs, trimmers, sills, and cripples (or sill jacks). After years of building, I've learned that getting rough openings right makes the rest of the job go smoothly. A Check the plans first Although the rough openings for doors and windows are specified on the plans, these dimensions are worth double-checking. It's important to note that sizes always are described width first, then height. I like to look up rough-opening dimensions in the tables provided by window and door manufacturers. These tables are excellent, and I've learned not to second-guess them. Getting this information correct is the first step in avoiding serious frustration a few weeks down the line. Occasionally, circumstances can require rough openings to be modified. Nonstandard floor thicknesses, specialized flashing elements, and applied sills are just a few details that can affect rough openings and should be thought through. If the building details are particularly unusual or complicated, it's smart to test the scenario as a mock-up before committing to a whole project. Verify rough-opening locations In conventional platform framing, headers typically are sized so that the opening is at the correct height with the header tight to the top plate. Sometimes this placement needs to be modified, either by using cripples lthough the name suggests otherwise, rough openings demand plenty of precision, especially when they are framed in load- Top plate GUIDE THE CENTERLINES 1 h-in. mark on square Most plans indicate door and window locations by noting a dimension to the centerline, so I start my layout by marking the centerlines on the wall plates. LAYOUT PROCESS 0 opening on both sides of the centerline. Then I measure half the width of the rough Using a f) Speed Square, I finish marking the trimmer and king-stud locations. above the header or by moving the header up into the plates. Lateral locations of rough openings usually are specified from the edges of the building to the centers of the openings, and between centers when several rough openings appear next to each other. Before transferring layout marks to the lumber, I give the entire plan a final check. Confirm clearances, and make sure that the rough-opening layout will maintain symmetry within and between floors, if that's a priority. When there is room to move left or right, it's nice to make sure that trim details fit cleanly without ripping and squeezing. Gather all the pieces All the wall components that define a rough opening need to do their part in making the opening solid and square forever. The king GET EVERYTHING READY Once the location and size of rough openings are verified, cut all the pieces before assembling the walls. This step minimizes work time and waste, and ensures a speedy and accurate process when it's time to assemble the walls. I The headers I'm using here are easy to assemble from conventional lumber. My wife, Kerri, aligns the pieces as I follow with the nail gun. We neatly stack and organize the sills, sill jacks, trimmers, and headers prior to wall framing. Drawings: Dan Thornton DECEMBER 200S/JANUARY 2006 57